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Barcode Generator

Type a value, pick a format, and get a scannable barcode you can download as SVG or PNG - check digits handled for you, nothing uploaded.

Picking the right format

The format decides what characters you can encode and where the barcode will be accepted. EAN-13 and UPC-A are the retail standards printed on products at the shop - they are digits only and carry a check digit. Use EAN-13 (13 digits) in most of the world and UPC-A (12 digits) in the US and Canada. For your own labels, CODE128 is the workhorse: it packs any ASCII text - letters, digits and symbols - into a tight barcode. CODE39 is older, encodes uppercase letters, digits and a few symbols, and is easy for cheap scanners to read. ITF (interleaved 2 of 5) takes an even number of digits and is common on shipping cartons.

How the check digit works

For EAN-13, take the first 12 digits and, reading from the right, multiply them by 3, 1, 3, 1 and so on. Add the results, then the check digit is whatever you need to add to reach the next multiple of 10. For example 590123412345 gives a weighted sum of 83, and 83 needs 7 more to reach 90, so the check digit is 7 and the full code is 5901234123457. UPC-A uses the same idea with 11 data digits. Type the short version above and this tool appends the digit for you; type the full code and it confirms the digit is correct.

Printing so it scans

  • Keep it black on a white background - avoid colour and low contrast.
  • Leave the quiet zone (blank margin) on both sides; do not crop tight.
  • For retail EAN/UPC, do not shrink below about 80% of nominal size or scanners struggle.
  • Download SVG for print and large signage so it stays crisp; PNG is fine for screens.

Need a scannable link or Wi-Fi code instead of a product number? Use the QR code generator. Turning the finished image into an inline data URI? Try image to Base64.

Frequently asked questions

Which barcode format should I use?
For retail products sold in shops use EAN-13 (most of the world) or UPC-A (North America), because those are the codes scanners at checkouts expect. For anything internal - stock labels, asset tags, your own filing - use CODE128, which encodes any text and is compact. CODE39 is older and less dense but very forgiving. ITF is used on shipping cartons.
What is a check digit and do I need to add it?
A check digit is a final digit calculated from the others so a scanner can detect a misread. For EAN-13 and UPC-A this tool works it out for you: type the 12 (or 11) digits and it appends the correct check digit automatically. If you paste a full code that already includes it, the tool verifies it is right.
Do these barcodes actually scan?
Yes. They are generated with the same encoding rules as commercial barcodes, so any standard scanner or phone barcode app will read them. Print them large enough and keep good contrast (black on white) for a reliable scan.
Is my data sent anywhere?
No. The barcode is drawn entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is uploaded, so it is safe to use for private product or asset numbers.

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